This 2.5 day intermediate Freshwater Invertebrates course will provide you with the surveying and identification skills you need to begin to survey freshwater habitats.
Freshwater invertebrates are those which spend at least part of their lifecycle in freshwater, and they are often used in freshwater ecology studies as indicators to assess the health of freshwater ecosystems. Knowing how to identify freshwater species is a key skill for any ecologists or conservationists working in freshwater habitats.
This course will include:
- Introduction to freshwater ecosystems
- Sampling techniques and water quality assessments
- Identification of species
- Bio-security, legislation, risk management and invasive species management
Read More
Freshwater invertebrates are those which spend at least part of their lifecycle in freshwater, and they are often used in freshwater ecology studies as indicators to assess the health of freshwater ecosystems. Knowing how to identify freshwater species is a key skill for any ecologists or conservationists working in freshwater habitats. Most freshwater invertebrates can only be identified to species using a microscope but many orders are present in freshwater and their classification to that level can be ascertained through field sampling techniques.
These ecosystems are threatened by climate change, pollution, degradation and invasive non-native species. Understanding how these habitats’ biotic and abiotic factors interact can help us assess and determine the health of freshwater ecosystems and put conservation practices into place.
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
- Evaluate freshwater ecosystems and bio-security legislation.
- Critically discuss the ecology and biology of major freshwater invertebrate groups.
- Demonstrate the use of field identification techniques, dichotomous keys, and microscopy to accurately identify freshwater invertebrates to the species level where relevant.
Who Should Attend? – Nature enthusiasts, students, rangers, early career consultants and ecologists. This intermediate level course is open to anyone with some existing knowledge of the subject. This course is for those aged 18 and over only.
(You do not need to be a Harper Adams University student to attend this course).
Knowledge Level – Intermediate. Level descriptors can be found on the following web-page: Framework and Course Level Descriptors .
Accommodation and meals
There are three booking options which all include course tuition, evening meals and refreshments:
- Non-Resident (Breakfast and lunch not included)
- Resident (Sole Occupancy)
- Resident (Shared room- please email [email protected] to inquire about this option)
If you choose a resident booking, this includes accommodation on Friday night and Saturday night, and meals throughout the course: an evening meal on the Friday and Saturday, and breakfast and packed lunch on Saturday and Sunday.
If you choose a non-resident booking, this includes an evening meal on the Friday and Saturday before the evening session. Please bring your own packed lunch on Saturday and Sunday.
Please note that bathrooms may be shared for accommodation bookings.
If we are unable to reach viable numbers for this course, we will inform you of the course cancellation 4-5 weeks prior to the course run. We would recommend when purchasing accommodation and/or travel you should take out your own insurance.
Bookings will close if course capacity is reached.
About the Tutor
Craig MacAdam
Craig Macadam has been studying and recording freshwater invertebrates for over 25 years. His particular specialism is mayflies, stoneflies and caddisflies, collectively known as ‘riverflies’. Craig is the national recorder for mayflies and stoneflies and a founder member of the Riverfly Partnership. He co-authored the Field Studies Council pictorial key to mayflies and the fold out chart for stonefly families.
Harper Adams University Student Information
Interested in becoming a HAU student?
You can find out more about the Biological Recording and Analysis programme here.
Existing HAU Biological Recording and Analysis Students
This 2.5 day course is one of your optional modules. You will be asked to choose your modules through HAU, and then you will book your accommodation and meal options through the Field Studies Council via an online form we will share with HAU.
If are a student and need more information about this course or the booking process, please email [email protected].
The summative assessment for this module will be set by HAU and will be completed and marked after the course.
Example Timetable
Example Timetable
Please note that this course is currently being developed for 2025 as part of the Harper Adams University ‘Biological Recording and Analysis’ course, so there may be small changes to the example timetable outlined below. Once a detailed schedule has been produced, this will be shared with participants.
Friday
- 1pm - Course begins. Mixture of classroom and field site visits
- 6pm - Dinner
- 7pm - Evening session to cement learning.
Saturday
- 10am -5pm Mixture of classroom and field site visits, with a break for lunch.
- 6pm - Dinner
- 7pm - Evening session to cement learning.
Sunday
- 10am - 5pm Mixture of classroom and field site visits, with a break for lunch.
Lunch will likely be in the field, so please make sure you make yourself a packed lunch at the centre if you choose a residential booking, or bring a packed lunch with you if you choose a non-residential booking.
What's Included
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Expert Tuition -
Free Wi-Fi -
In Course Transport
The course has been carefully created by expert tutors and educators to help you build your knowledge and apply it within the field surrounded by like-minded individuals.
The course includes:
- Classroom learning covering the theory of the topic
- Field excursions to apply new knowledge
- Expert tuition for which the Field Studies Council is renowned
- Clear objectives and progression
- Refreshments (tea/coffee)
If you choose a resident booking, this includes accommodation on Friday night and Saturday night, and meals throughout the course: an evening meal on the Friday and Saturday, and breakfast and packed lunch on Saturday and Sunday.
If you choose a non-resident booking, this includes an evening meal on the Friday and Saturday before the evening session. Please bring your own packed lunch on Saturday and Sunday.
You can rest assured that the absolute best content from an expert in environmental education will be provided. In choosing a Field Studies Council course, you will be joining thousands of people who learn with us each year.
Bursaries and Subsidies
Natural History Bursaries
There are a number of natural history bursaries available to help with the cost of your course. To find out if you and your chosen course are eligible, read more here.
Student Discount
This course is eligible for a student discount. If you are a current student, please use discount code BioStudent20 at checkout for 20% off all Biodiversity courses.
Before You Attend
What to Bring
- Notebook and pencil
- Sensible footwear and clothing for being outdoors
- Small bag to carry personal items
- A vacuum flask/drink bottle and a bag or a box for carrying a packed lunch.
Recommended Literature
- Freshwater Invertebrates AIDGAP
- Mayflies AIDGAP
- Caddis Larvae AIDGAP
- Freshwater Leeches AIDGAP
- Stoneflies AIDGAP
There will be a member of staff with first aid training and access to a first aid kit on site. If you have special medical or access requirements, please let us know as soon as possible so we can plan the course.
Opportunities to attend this course
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Fri 19, September 2025 13:00 - Sun 21, September 2025 17:00
No current dates for this course? Click here to view all the upcoming Natural History courses.
Progress Your Learning
This is a training course from the Field Studies Council, delivered by expert tutors with an approachable learning style. After attending this course, you may like to progress your learning with further relevant courses or branch out into other areas of natural history. The Field Studies Council offers both online and in-person courses, so you can choose the learning style that suits you best.
The course gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in a new subject and acquire novel skills. Our online portal gives you time to study at your own pace and fit the lessons around your own schedule.
If you have any questions about our courses, please check out our Frequently Asked Questions or email [email protected].
Group Bookings Made Easy
If you have a group of 10 or more individuals wanting to complete one of our courses, our team are available to discuss your options – from discounts to private team courses. Find out more!
You can rest assured that the absolute best content from an expert in environmental education will be at your fingertips. In choosing a Field Studies Council course, you will be joining thousands of people who learn with us each year.